Rockets guard Eric Gordon sidelined by right groin tightness
Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon did not play in Sunday night’s game at Golden State with what the team listed as right groin tightness. The 32-year-old veteran missed the final two months of the 2020-21 season with a right groin strain, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise if the team treats the injury with considerable caution in the days ahead.
Gordon’s absence is likely to be a short-term blow to the young Rockets (1-8), who entered Sunday with seven consecutive losses. Gordon is averaging 13.8 points in 26.9 minutes per game this season, including a blistering shooting clip of 51.4% overall and 52.9% on 3-pointers. The 6-foot-3 guard is also one of Houston’s most valuable defenders.
With Gordon sidelined and swingman Danuel House Jr. still unavailable due to a right foot sprain, that could open up more minutes off the bench for second-year sharpshooter Armoni Brooks and perhaps rookie guard Josh Christopher. Head coach Stephen Silas will update Gordon’s status in pregame remarks prior to Sunday’s 7:30 p.m. tipoff.
In the longer-term, Gordon could become a desirable trade target for title contenders ahead of this season’s trade deadline in February 2022. Thus, the Rockets have numerous incentives to ensure that he is healthy.
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#Rockets are undermanned on their first back-to-back. Danuel House Jr. remains out today with the foot sprain. Eric Gordon is out with right groin tightness.
— Cayleigh Griffin (@cayleighgriffin) November 7, 2021
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